PCT NATIONAL PHASE ENTRY
Panama

Panama's patent law has evolved with a strong emphasis on modernizing and enhancing the protection of intellectual property. Notable developments include the country’s membership in the Paris Convention and the Patent Cooperation Treaty, as well as the introduction of the Industrial Property Law (Law 35) in 1996. In addition, Panama has shown a dedication to safeguarding traditional cultural expressions through the implementation of Law 20 in 2000. Panama's participation in both the Paris Convention, which it joined in 1996, and the Patent Cooperation Treaty, which it became a member of in 2012, underscores its alignment with global standards for patent protection.

The national phase entry for a PCT application in Panama must be completed within 30 months from the priority date of the international application.

In Panama, the official language for filing a patent application is Spanish. Although applications may be submitted in another language, a Spanish translation must be provided within 2 months from the filing date.

In Panama, no extension is permitted for filing the national phase application under the PCT.

• Power of Attorney: A duly notarized and legalized power of attorney, should be submitted within 2 months from the filing date.
• Assignment Document: A duly notarized and legalized assignment document from the inventors to the applicant, should be submitted within 2 months from the filing date.

Applicants who are also the inventors and can demonstrate financial hardship may be eligible for a reduced filing fee, amounting to only 10 % of the standard fee.

In Panama, a request for examination of a patent application must be submitted within 2 months from the earliest priority date.

In Panama, renewal fees for patent applications must be paid in five-year intervals, with each payment due on the fifth anniversary of the filing date.

In Panama, the standard duration of a patent is 20 years, commencing from the date of the patent application filing.

In the 2024 Global Innovation Index (GII), Panama secures the 82nd spot out of 133 global economies. Within the group of 51 high-income nations, it ranks 49th, while regionally, it stands 11th among 20 Latin American and Caribbean economies. For innovation inputs, Panama has advanced to 83rd place this year, marking an improvement from its previous ranking. The country excels in specific innovation metrics, including GDP per unit of energy consumption (5th), exports of creative goods as a share of total trade (12th), and gross capital formation as a percentage of GDP (13th).

Panama is internationally recognized for its rich natural diversity and wide range of ecosystems, which include tropical rainforests, cloud forests, and island habitats spread across both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. The country's strong carbon absorption capacity through its forest’s places among the few nations worldwide, along with Bhutan and Suriname, with a negative carbon balance. Its commitment to environmental sustainability is evident through national policies and the global significance of the Panama Canal, a key waterway for international trade linking two major oceans.